Night (and 18 holes) at the Pinehurst Golf resort - $329

Deal of the Day for Wednesday, March 5, 2008-

In 2005, the U.S. Golf Open, arguably the most difficult annual test of golfing skill on the PGA tour, was played on the Pinehurst #2 course in Pinehurst, North Carolina. The tour will return there in 2014. In the meantime, you have the opportunity to test your mettle on the same links, and at a substantial savings.

The Pinehurst Resort offers a special rate in March, when the weather in the northern part of the south is fair enough to offer lush fairways and firm greens. $329 per night per person buys you an overnight at the four-diamond-rated Carolina hotel, a gourmet dinner, breakfast buffet and 18 holes on one of the Pinehurst courses (there are eight), except #2. The legendary #2 will cost you an extra $165, a considerable savings off of peak season green fees of $410.

Even hacks like me occasionally have the urge to walk the same fairways as the pros, if only to better appreciate their exceptional skills. This deal could allow you to do that, yet save enough dough to cover the cost of sacrificing a few dozen Titleists to the golf gods.